An acquisition of major assets of the target firm by the acquiring firm.

A combination of two firms, in which a new firm is created and both the acquired and acquiring firm cease to exist.

The complete absorption of one company by another, where the acquiring firm retains its identity and the acquired firm ceases to exist as a separate entity.

A corporate takeover bid communicated to the shareholders through direct mail.

A public offer by one firm to directly buy the shares from another.